A decade review of 90's Music - Manuel Marino Blog

Vanilla Ice
Photo by vagueonthehow

If you’re in your thirties, it’s likely that you have a fondness for 90’s music. The 1990s were a decade dominated by pure pop and R&B music, with artists like MC Hammer, Boys II Men, Paula Abdul, and Britney Spears thriving. Not everyone may be a fan of that era, but whether you like it or not, 90’s music might soon make a comeback on your local radio stations.

The first three years of the final decade of the 20th century belonged to Bryan Adams, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Paula Abdul, and Vanessa Williams, all of whom possessed and utilized a distinctly adult-sounding voice in their music, setting them apart from the pop music of the late 80s. However, amidst that, more diverse sounds like Vanilla Ice and Kris Kross also found their place and received significant airplay on radio stations during that time.

By the end of the first quarter of the 1990s, a new phenomenon emerged that instantly captivated the music scene. A smooth-voiced group of four musicians called Boys II Men gained major recognition when their song “End Of The Road” was featured on the soundtrack of the Eddie Murphy film Boomerang. In the second quarter of the decade, spanning from 1992 to 1995, various recording artists such as PM Dawn, Jade, Arrested Development, Ace of Base, and Jodeci had their moments of success, but the true pop boom was yet to come.

The second half of the 90s showcased the strongest roster of pop artists, with names like Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, and Madonna achieving great success while the demand for alternative rock music diminished. Boy bands also made a comeback with the rise of Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, and 98 Degrees, with the former two achieving worldwide success both commercially and critically.

A recent example of the 90s music resurgence is a Sacramento radio station that permanently changed its alternative rock format to strictly play 90s hits after receiving numerous personal requests. So, don’t be surprised if the next time you tune into your local FM station, you find yourself humming along to beloved 90s hits.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME